From: Press Information Bureau Ministry of I&B <pib.kolkata@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 3:01 PM
Subject: Releases..........pt3
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Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Human Resource Development
Scheme of setting up of 374 Model Colleges in Districts having Gross Enrolment Ratio for higher education less than the national GER
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the introduction of a new Scheme to provide central assistance for setting up of a model degree college in each of the identified 374 educationally backward districts where Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for higher education is less than the national GER.
Point-wise details:
(a) The Central Government shall provide assistance to the extent of one third of the capital cost for establishment of each college, limited to Rs.2.67 crore. For Special Category States, the Central share shall be 50% of the capital cost limited to Rs.4 crore for each college.
(b) The land shall be provided free of cost by the State Governments. The balance amount of the capital cost, and the recurring cost of running these new colleges shall be met by the concerned State Governments.
(c) During the remaining period of the 11th Five Year Plan, assistance shall be provided for establishing 200 model colleges in identified districts, with priority being given to special category states and districts having concentration of weaker sections and minorities as well as other districts in Schedule V and Schedule VI areas.
(d) The Scheme will have prospective effect and will be applicable to those colleges where admissions commence after 21.01.2010.
(e) A clear Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with each State Government before any release of funds is made.
(f) The Scheme shall be implemented both through the University Grants commission (which can release funds to the concerned affiliating university for establishment of the college as its constituent college) and also alternatively by way of direct release of funds by the Ministry of Human Resource Development to the concerned State Government, which may like to set up the college either as an affiliated or a constituent college.
The total funds requirements will be Rs.2992 crore (for 374 colleges @ Rs.8 crore per college), and the Central share shall be about Rs.1079 crore. During the remaining period by the XI Plan it is proposed to provide Central assistance for 200 colleges for which the financial requirement (central share) shall be limited to about Rs.615.13 crore.
Assuming that the average number of students in a college is 500, the total number of students who would be enrolled in the 374 colleges, shall be about 1.87 lakh.
This is a new Scheme meant exclusively for students in educationally backward districts, aspiring for higher education. The Scheme shall help in increasing the GER in educationally backward districts.
The Scheme will be publicized among the State Governments immediately for inviting proposals from the States. All the identified 374 higher educationally backward districts in the country where the GER is less than the national GER shall be covered.
BACKGROUND:
In his Independence Speech on 15th August 2007, the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India had announced, inter alia, that "We will also ensure that adequate numbers of colleges are set up across the country, especially in districts where enrolment levels are low. We will help States set up colleges in 370 such districts". The XI Five Year Plan document as approved by the National Development Council envisages, among other things, that 370 new Degree Colleges will be established in Districts with low Gross Enrolment Ratio based on careful selection.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:39 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Science & Technology
Approval for increase in the number of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET)
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet today approved the implementation of the proposal for increase in the number of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) in the country.
The main objective of the JRF-NET is to identify, through this national competitive examination, those talented students who could be enrolled for Ph.D. programmes in specific science domains, across India's scientific and academic institutions and also to identify those who fulfil the eligibility criteria for employment as lecturers across various academic institutions.
The brief details of the proposal are:
Increase in the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) by two fold over the Tenth Plan period. During the Tenth Five Year Plan a total of about 6000 young students benefited by availing CSIR-JRF through NET. In the Eleventh Plan CSIR proposes to increase the number by two fold.
The total cost of providing fellowships for about 12000 students in the Eleventh Plan is estimated at Rs.444.34 crore.
The proposed increase in intake of JRF-NET fellowships with the attractive remuneration would help in attracting talented youth to take up scientific research as a career and help address the issues related to shortage of scientific manpower in the country.
The biggest beneficiaries of this programme would be the University system and scientific institutions across India as they shall be able to attract bright minds for their scientific programmes/research. It will also benefit students from all over the country who are keen to take-up scientific research as a career.
The programme will be implemented by Human Resource Development Group of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, which conducts National eligibility Test (NET) across the country in 25 cities and at 125 exam centers. A total of about 12000 students would be benefiting through JRF-NET in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
BACKGROUND:
Recognizing the need to identify and nurture young scientific talent who could be enrolled for Ph.d. programmes across India's scientific institutions. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) started in 1983 a research fellowship scheme as a national responsibility. This was a unique step to fulfil India's growing ambition to become a scientific & technological power house. In 1989, NET was recognized by UGC as pre-qualification for Lectureship and was renamed as CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Lectureship. Since 1990, NET is being conducted twice a year in the month of June and December.
NET exam is held across the country in 25 cities and at 125 exam centers in five subject areas viz. Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences. Selection is made through two paper system. Currently more than 1,50,000 students have been writing the NET exam each year. The CSIR-NET has established an enormous credibility in the country and it has become a bench mark for selecting candidates for pursing Ph.D. programme, appointment either as a lecturer or a project research fellow or for employment in various R&D organization all across the country.
In the recent times serious concern has been expressed by educationalist, scientists, policy markers etc. over declining interest of students to take up careers in basic sciences. There has been an emphasis on enlarging the pool of scientific manpower to contribute towards S&T development in the country which is the reliable benchmark to become a developed nation. In order to achieve this goal focused efforts are required to be made to identify and nurture bright young students who can take up scientific research as a career. The present programme is one such focussed effort in this direction.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:39 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Finance
Approval of Proposal of M/s. Alstom Power Holdings SA, France, M/s. Alstom Technology Ltd., Switzerland and Alstom SA, France to establish two Joint Venture companies in India with M/s. Bharat Forge Limited and / or its affiliate companies
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval to the proposal of M/s. Alstom Power Holdings SA, France, M/s. Alstom Technology Ltd., Switzerland and Alstom SA, France as recommended by FIPB. The proposal is to establish two Joint Venture companies in India with M/s. Bharat Forge Limited and / or its affiliate companies and to invest Euro 70.5 million (Rs.490 crore approximately) for manufacture of state-of-art super critical and sub-critical power plant equipment in India directly and / or through their respective associate entities
The approval would result in FDI amounting to Euro 70.5 million (Rs. 490 crore approximately) in the country.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:40 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Railways
Electrification of Rohtak-Bhatinda-Lehra Muhabat section of Northern Railway
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure today approved the electrification of the Rohtak-Bhatinda-Lehra Muhabat section of Northern Railway.
The cost of electrification of this line is estimated at Rs.215.93 crore with allocation of Rs.32.39 crore in XI Plan and Rs.183.54 crore in XII Plan.
The Rohtak-Bhatinda-Lehra Muhabat section of Northern Railway is a very important passenger and freight corridor. Electrification of this section will cater to the anticipated increase in freight and passenger traffic.
The section Rohtak-Bhatinda-Lehra Muhabat (252 RKM/485 TKM) of Delhi and Ambala Division of Northern Railway is a predominantly double line section which includes 129 RKMs as double line between Rohtak and Jakhal while doubling is sanctioned between Jakhal-Bhatinda. Bhatinda-Lehra Muhabat (25 RKM) is a single line section. This section serves as a very important passenger and freight corridor. The Passenger traffic on this section is the Mail Express trains linking Northern India with Eastern and Central India.
BACKGROUND:
The capacity utilization of Delhi-Ambala-Kalka section is as high as 170% in 29006-07 and annual growth of freight traffic in this section is 10% per annum. Hence it is not possible to handle load via this section. There is no alternative except to run freight traffic on Delhi-Rohtak-Bhatinda-Lehra Muhabat section. Electrification of Shakurbasti-Rohtak is already in progress.
With electrification from Shakurbasti upto Lehra Muhabat (via Bhatinda), goods traffic can go right upto thermal power plant at Kattar Singh Wala and Lehra Muhabat in Punjab without any change in traction. There will be seamless flow of goods traffic, as traction change/detention at Rohtak, Shakurbasti and Tughlakabad would be eliminated.
The project is planned to be completed in five years and will be executed by Central Organisation for Railway Eletrification, Allahabad. The project is expected to be completed in the year 2014-15 and will cover two States, i.e. Haryana and Punjab and five districts, i.e. Rohtak, Jind, Narwana, Jakhal of Haryana and Bhatinda of Punjab.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:40 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Railways
Electrification of Shoranur-Mangalore-Penambur section of Southern Railway
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure today approved the electrification of the Shoranur-Mangalore-Penambur section of Southern Railway.
The cost of electrification of this line is estimated at Rs.302.50 crore with allocation of Rs.45.38 crore in XI Plan and Rs.257.12 crore in XII Plan.
The route Shoranur-Mangalore-Penambur falls in the Northern and Western parts of Kerala (315 RKM) and Karnataka (13 RKM) respectively on the Chennai-Mangaore corridor. Major traffic moved on this section is food grains, coal to industries, hardware, fertilizers, coir, paper, timber, cement, rubber, petroleum products, mineral ore, copper and other electrical goods.
BACKGROUND:
Electrification of Trivandrum to Shoranur and Shoranur to Chennai is already done and work is in progress in Trivandrum-Kannyakumari section. Electrifying Shoranur-Mangalore-Penambur section will ensure seamless operation in Penambur-Mangalore-Kannyakumari section (736 RKM) and Chennai-Penambur section (591 RKM). This will reduce the detention to good trains and will ensure faster movement of passenger and goods traffic.
The project is planned to be completed in five years and will be executed by Central Organisation for Railway Eletrification, Allahabad. The project is expected to be completed in the year 2014-15 and will cover two States, i.e. Kerala & Karnataka and six districts, i.e. Palghat, Mlappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur & Kasargod in Kerala and Dakshin Kannad of Karnataka.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:40 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Communications & Information Technology
Setting up of National Knowledge Network (NKN)
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure has accorded in principle approval for the establishment of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) to be implemented by the NIC.
BACKGROUND:
One of the important recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission (NKC) is to inter-connect all knowledge institutions trough high speed data communication network. This would encourage sharing of knowledge, specialized resources and collaborative research.
The Government's decision to set up such a National Knowledge Network was announced in 2008-09. An initial amount of Rs.100 crore was allocated to the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and IT for the establishing the NKC. A High Level Committee (HLC) was also set up to coordinate and monitor the establishment of the NKN.
Implementation strategy and targets :
The architecture of the NKN will be scalable and the network will consist of an ultra-high speed Core (multiples of 10Gbps and upwards). The Core shall be complemented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. The participating institutions can connect to the NKN at speeds of 1 Gbps or to the distribution layer through a last mile connectivity bandwidth.
The NKN will provide nation-wide ultra high-speed backbone/data-network highway. Various other networks in the country can take advantage of this ultra high-speed backbone, with national and international reach to create independent and closed user groups.
The NKN will have about 25 core Point of Presence (PoPs) and 600 secondary PoPs. It will connect around 1500 Institutions. The physical infrastructure (setting up of core network) is expected to be completed in a span of 24 months.
Major impact :
NKN will enable scientists, researches and students from diverse spheres across the country to work together for advancing human development in critical and emerging areas. NKN will catalyze knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer between stakeholders seamlessly – that too across the nation and globally. NKN is expected to encourage a larger section of research and educational institutions to create intellectual property. NKN would enable use of specialized applications, which allow sharing of high performance computing facilities, e-libraries, virtual classrooms and very large databases.
Health, Education, Grid Computing, Agriculture and e-Governance are the main applications identified for implementation and delivery on NKN. Applications such as Countrywide Classrooms will address the issue of faculty shortage and ensure quality education delivery across the country. The crux of the success of the Knowledge Network is related to the education related applications, databases and delivery of services to the users on demand.
Current status of Initial Phase:
In the initial phase a core Backbone consisting of 15 Points of Presence (PoPs) have been established with 2.5 Gbps capacity. Around 40 institutions of higher learning and advanced research have already been connected to the network and 6 virtual classrooms setup.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:41 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Agriculture
Implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme on National Horticulture Mission (NHM) during XI Plan
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved new interventions in the Centrally sponsored Scheme on National Horticulture Mission which was launched during the X Five Year Plan from 2005-06. Based on the feed back received during the implementation of the Scheme, new interventions such as High Density Plantations (HDP), Horticulture Mechanization and certification of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) have been included. Besides, the cost norms of some of the activities like setting up of nurseries, area expansion, rejuvenation programmes and protected cultivation have been revisited and revised to provide better incentives to the farmers for adopting improved technologies and cultivars. The cost norms and pattern of assistance for post harvest management (PHM) have been enhanced to encourage private sector participation in building PHM infrastructure.
An outlay of Rs.10363.46 crore, with Government of India share of Rs.8809 crore (85%) has been proposed for implementing the Scheme during the XIth Five Year Plan.
The focus of the Mission in its revised form will be on creating forward linkages in terms of post harvest management and marketing infrastructure both in public and private sectors involving pack houses/on farm collection centers, cold storage units, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storages etc.
The major outcome of the NHM will be as under:
· Infrastructure facilities for primary processing and marketing of horticultural produce will be set up to meet/handle increased production and about 600 markets (including wholesale and rural markets) will be set up during the Plan period. Besides, about 6200 PHM infrastructure facility would be created.
· About 15.83 lakh hectares of land will be brought under horticulture crops through area expansion and 5.20 lakh hectares of old and senile orchards will be rejuvenated.
· About 2500 new nurseries will be established in addition to revitalizing existing ones for making available good quality planting material.
· Organic farming along with certification will be taken up in 2.21 lakh ha area. Besides, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) will be taken up in 15 lakh hectares.
· About 8235 water harvesting structures both community and individual will be constructed to augment ground water sources and provide irrigation to horticulture crops.
· Approximately, 475 million man days of employment is expected to be generated during the Plan period though the interventions of the scale envisaged. This implies additional employment to approximately 16 lakh people on regular basis.
The National Horticulture Mission (NHM) envisages holistic development of the horticulture sector by ensuring horizontal and vertical linkages with the active participation of all the stake-holders. All the States and Union Territories are covered under the Mission except the eight North Eastern States including Sikkim and the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal which have been covered under the Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North Eastern States (TMNE). Under the Scheme, a cluster based approach was adopted for covering potential horticultural crops in 344 districts (Out of 476 districts) in 18 States and two Union Territories. Since the inception of the Scheme an amount of Rs.3503.12 crore was released, up to 2008-09 against which, an expenditure of Rs.3072.92 crore has been incurred. The implementation of the Scheme has brought an area of 12.61 lakh ha under horticultural crops with development of 1217 post harvest management (PHM) units, 59 markets and 294 scientific infrastructural facilities.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:42 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Agriculture
CCP reviews prices of essential commodities
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Prices (CCP) today reviewed the prices of essential commodities. The major areas of concern identified are prices of pulses, sugar, potatoes and onions.
After detailed discussions, the CCP took the following decision:
An ad-hoc allocation of 10kgs per family per month over and above the existing allocation of foodgrains i.e. wheat/rice will be made for two months i.e. January and February, 2010 to cover all accepted card holders. It will be available to accepted numbers of cardholders under AAY, BPL and APL category. The total additional allocation for the country will be 10.64 lakh tones of rice and 25.43 lakh tones of wheat. State Governments will be allowed to lift this quantity by March 2010. This allocation will be at MSP of Rs.10.80 per kg for wheat and Rs.15.37 per kg for rice.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:42 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Approval of Project for Conversion of Fuel Oil/Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (FO/LSHS) based urea units of M/s. National Fertilizers Limited at Panipat, Bathinda & Nangal to Natural Gas (NG)
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the three feedstock changeover projects of M/s. National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) at its Nangal, Panipat and Bathinda units, at a cost of Rs.1478.63 crore, Rs.1292.94 crore and Rs.1294.94 crore respectively.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs also approved the amendment in the policy for conversion subsidy dated 6th March 2009, to exclude the element of income tax from the special Fixed Cost Component with clarification that the post commissioning subsidy in the form of energy savings and special fixed cost component to reimburse the project cost is capital in nature and does not attract income tax.
The above will lead to savings to the tune of Rs.40 crore per unit per year, in the form of reduction in the release of fertilizer subsidy, after conversion of these units is computed. The conversion will also help units to modernize their existing ammonia plants and achieve better energy efficiency.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:43 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Rural Development
Implementation of Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) scheme on pilot basis
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the implementation of the Scheme "Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) on a pilot basis within the plan outlay of Rs.248 crore during 11th five year plan. The fund will be utilized for providing capital grant upto 35% of the pilot project to meet the viability gap for operations and maintenance (including invest by private party) in Public Partnership (PPP) mode after dovetailing funds from other Central Schemes and investment from private developers.
The implementation of the restructured scheme in the manner proposed as an innovative initiative being taken for the first time in rural areas. Through the implementation of proposed pilot projects, the unique features of this scheme could be tested on the ground and would enable its upscaling in future.
The primary objectives of the scheme are provision of livelihood opportunities and urban amenities in rural area to bridge the rural – urban divide thereby reducing the migration from rural to urban areas. A distinguishing feature of the scheme is its implementation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
The core funding will be ensured from the Central Sector Scheme of PURA complemented by additional support through prioritized convergence of Central Government programmes, funding / managerial support from the private sector and participation of the local Panchayats. The scheme would be implemented and managed by the private sector on viability and sustainability considerations which shall be fully aligned with the overall objective of rural development. This framework of bringing together public funds and private capital into creation of infrastructure in rural areas and leveraging upon private sector expertise to manage and maintain the same during the concession period, forms the essence of the re-structured PURA Scheme.
Under the scheme there is a provision for capital grant to a maximum of 35% of the project cost. Seven to eight pilot projects would be taken up during the 11th five year plan. In order to assure constructive commitment of the stakeholders, separate agreements will be entered into between the stakeholders viz., Concession Agreement (between Gram Panchayat and private developer) and a State Support Agreement (among the Central Government, State Government and the private developer).
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:44 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Ministry of Shipping
Final approval of upgradation, operation and maintenance of Hyderabad Bengaluru section of NH-7 in Karnataka
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure today approved the implementation of project of upgradation, operation and maintenance of Hyderabad Bengaluru section of NH-7 in Karnataka from 534.72 Km to 556.84 Km to be executed as BOT (Toll) on Design, Build, Finance, Operate & Transfer (DBFOT) pattern under NHDP Phase-VII.
The total project cost is estimated at Rs.679.36 crore under DBFOT pattern. The concession period is 20 years including construction period of 30 months. The project is covered in two districts of the State Karnataka, i.e. Bengaluru (Urban) and Bengaluru (Rural).
The main objective of the project is to expedite the improvement of infrastructure in the State. The project road runs between Devanhalli and Hebbal near Bengaluru International Airport and will provide uninterrupted connectivity to Bengaluru International Airport. The main features of the project include underpasses for pedestrian and cattle crossing; construction of approaches & widening of flyovers; reconstruction of existing service road; highway illumination and construction of bus bays.
BACKGROUND:
The Cabinet gave approval in Dec., 2007 for construction of ring roads, bypasses, flyovers, elevated roads, grade separators, Road Over Bridges, underpasses and service roads for removing identified traffic bottlenecks on the existing National Highways under NHDP Phase VII. It was also mandated that need based projects of Grade-separated Intersections, ROBs, underpasses, service roads etc. should be finalized by the Ministry in consultation with the State Governments. The stretch under consideration is one of the approved stretches.
The major impact of the project lies in reducing the time and cost of travel of traffic, particularly heavy traffic running between Devanahalli and Hebbal and to Bengaluru International Airport. It will also improve the transport facilities for the tourists.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:44 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Cabinet
Approval for increase in the number of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET)
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
Cabinet Decision
The Cabinet today approved the implementation of the proposal for increase in the number of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) in the country.
The main objective of the JRF-NET is to identify, through this national competitive examination, those talented students who could be enrolled for Ph.D. programmes in specific science domains, across India's scientific and academic institutions and also to identify those who fulfil the eligibility criteria for employment as lecturers across various academic institutions.
The brief details of the proposal are:
Increase in the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) by two fold over the Tenth Plan period. During the Tenth Five Year Plan a total of about 6000 young students benefited by availing CSIR-JRF through NET. In the Eleventh Plan CSIR proposes to increase the number by two fold.
The total cost of providing fellowships for about 12000 students in the Eleventh Plan is estimated at Rs.444.34 crore.
The proposed increase in intake of JRF-NET fellowships with the attractive remuneration would help in attracting talented youth to take up scientific research as a career and help address the issues related to shortage of scientific manpower in the country.
The biggest beneficiaries of this programme would be the University system and scientific institutions across India as they shall be able to attract bright minds for their scientific programmes/research. It will also benefit students from all over the country who are keen to take-up scientific research as a career.
The programme will be implemented by Human Resource Development Group of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, which conducts National eligibility Test (NET) across the country in 25 cities and at 125 exam centers. A total of about 12000 students would be benefiting through JRF-NET in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
BACKGROUND:
Recognizing the need to identify and nurture young scientific talent who could be enrolled for Ph.d. programmes across India's scientific institutions. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) started in 1983 a research fellowship scheme as a national responsibility. This was a unique step to fulfil India's growing ambition to become a scientific & technological power house. In 1989, NET was recognized by UGC as pre-qualification for Lectureship and was renamed as CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Lectureship. Since 1990, NET is being conducted twice a year in the month of June and December.
NET exam is held across the country in 25 cities and at 125 exam centers in five subject areas viz. Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences. Selection is made through two paper system. Currently more than 1,50,000 students have been writing the NET exam each year. The CSIR-NET has established an enormous credibility in the country and it has become a bench mark for selecting candidates for pursing Ph.D. programme, appointment either as a lecturer or a project research fellow or for employment in various R&D organization all across the country.
In the recent times serious concern has been expressed by educationalist, scientists, policy markers etc. over declining interest of students to take up careers in basic sciences. There has been an emphasis on enlarging the pool of scientific manpower to contribute towards S&T development in the country which is the reliable benchmark to become a developed nation. In order to achieve this goal focused efforts are required to be made to identify and nurture bright young students who can take up scientific research as a career. The present programme is one such focussed effort in this direction.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:44 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
Approval of Proposal of M/s. Alstom Power Holdings SA, France, M/s. Alstom Technology Ltd., Switzerland and Alstom SA, France to establish two Joint Venture companies in India with M/s. Bharat Forge Limited and / or its affiliate companies
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
CCEA Decision
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today gave its approval to the proposal of M/s. Alstom Power Holdings SA, France, M/s. Alstom Technology Ltd., Switzerland and Alstom SA, France as recommended by FIPB. The proposal is to establish two Joint Venture companies in India with M/s. Bharat Forge Limited and / or its affiliate companies and to invest Euro 70.5 million (Rs.490 crore approximately) for manufacture of state-of-art super critical and sub-critical power plant equipment in India directly and / or through their respective associate entities
The approval would result in FDI amounting to Euro 70.5 million (Rs. 490 crore approximately) in the country.
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:45 hrs.
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
Implementation of Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) scheme on pilot basis
New Delhi: January 21, 2010
CCEA Decision
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the implementation of the Scheme "Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) on a pilot basis within the plan outlay of Rs.248 crore during 11th five year plan. The fund will be utilized for providing capital grant upto 35% of the pilot project to meet the viability gap for operations and maintenance (including invest by private party) in Public Partnership (PPP) mode after dovetailing funds from other Central Schemes and investment from private developers.
The implementation of the restructured scheme in the manner proposed as an innovative initiative being taken for the first time in rural areas. Through the implementation of proposed pilot projects, the unique features of this scheme could be tested on the ground and would enable its upscaling in future.
The primary objectives of the scheme are provision of livelihood opportunities and urban amenities in rural area to bridge the rural – urban divide thereby reducing the migration from rural to urban areas. A distinguishing feature of the scheme is its implementation under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
The core funding will be ensured from the Central Sector Scheme of PURA complemented by additional support through prioritized convergence of Central Government programmes, funding / managerial support from the private sector and participation of the local Panchayats. The scheme would be implemented and managed by the private sector on viability and sustainability considerations which shall be fully aligned with the overall objective of rural development. This framework of bringing together public funds and private capital into creation of infrastructure in rural areas and leveraging upon private sector expertise to manage and maintain the same during the concession period, forms the essence of the re-structured PURA Scheme.
Under the scheme there is a provision for capital grant to a maximum of 35% of the project cost. Seven to eight pilot projects would be taken up during the 11th five year plan. In order to assure constructive commitment of the stakeholders, separate agreements will be entered into between the stakeholders viz., Concession Agreement (between Gram Panchayat and private developer) and a State Support Agreement (among the Central Government, State Government and the private developer).
ad/lv/dk/kol/14:46 hrs.
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Palash Biswas
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